General Session: Vehicle Automation: Big Breakthroughs in 2025

Steady progress on vehicle automation over the past decade has taken us to a landmark in 2025. The opening this year of the initial phase of Jacksonville’s Ultimate Urban Circulator, the application of advanced automation on the CTfastrak Busway in Hartford, the collective experiences of the many automated shuttle systems across the country, and advancements in research and demonstration provide a strong foundation to build on going forward. Panelists will discuss how these lessons can be helpful to other transit agencies looking to apply automation in ways that will enhance the customer experience.

Moderator:

• MJ Maynard-Carey, Chair, APTA; and Chief Executive Officer, RTC of Southern Nevada

Panelist:

• Garrett Eucalitto, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Transportation
• Nathaniel Ford, Chief Executive Officer, Jacksonville Transportation Authority
• Gregory Winfree, Director, Texas A&M Transportation Institute